Frederic Giguére is this year’s Junior Citizen of the Year in Centre Wellington.
The surprise announcement came on Monday morning at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS), as Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce and municipal representatives informed Giguére of his win.
Principal Beth Burns told Giguére that Centre Wellington councillor Walt Visser was at the school on behalf of the mayor to recognize him as Junior Citizen of the Year.
“I think you know we’re very proud of you at CW,” Burns said.
Among those gathered for the announcement were Giguére’s parents, Yvon Giguére and Michele Van Damme.
Visser told Giguére it was a very impressive nomination. He presented Giguére with a certificate and tickets to the upcoming chamber of commerce awards gala in May.
“I was not expecting this, this morning,” Giguére said.
“Thank you all.”
His nominator, Jenny Ritter, head of the arts department at CWDHS, said Giguére is a student in a number of her classes.
“Fred is most definitely a deserving candidate for The Alvin Shortt Award,” said Ritter.
“He is a leader within our school community. He is head of (the school’s) theatre tech crew and is the chief editor of our school yearbook.”
Giguére is a member of student council and a representative for Theatre Centre Wellington. He also volunteers in a Grade 9 drama class and a Grade 10/11 theatre tech class, where he supports students through his leadership and expertise in those areas.
“All students in this building know Fred and respect him for all the work and contributions he makes towards life at Centre Wellington,” Ritter said.
As head of the tech crew, Giguére has spent countless hours of his time volunteering for school and community events.
“He is always positive and treats each task as a challenge that he is determined to see through,” said Ritter.
She noted that when the Fergus-Elora Academy of Dance hosts its annual recital, Giguére volunteers to lead the technical components for the event.
He does not receive payment, but does it for the love of his craft. He also volunteers at the Fergus Grand Theatre and is a generous and devoted individual, said Ritter.
Giguére’s father Yvon thanked all the people involved in his son’s selection.
“We are new to the Elora-Centre Wellington area,” said Yvon, adding the family has lived in the area for four years and is originally from Montreal.
Yvon said his son being named Junior Citizen of the Year is a tremendous honour for the family. He noted his son has done a lot of volunteering for the theatre and the school.
“In Montreal, he was not involved at all in community service. I think that is one of the great things here; the ability to get involved and the friendships,” said Yvon.
Giguére’s mother Michele Van Damme said she too appreciates that volunteering is recognized in Centre Wellington.
She noted both she and Yvon encouraged their son to take part in the community when they came here.
Giguére said taking part in the community “is a great feeling.”
“It’s just the fact that you are helping someone, it’s a great feeling that you are giving to people,” he said.
“At the start of high school my parents encouraged me to get involved.”
Giguére added that his parents also suggested “it will make high school go faster… and in fact, it did.”
